U.S. patent application number 09/802903 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-12 for personal collapsible shelter.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dufort Industries Ltd.. Invention is credited to Dufort, Claude.
Application Number | 20020124877 09/802903 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25185041 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020124877 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dufort, Claude |
September 12, 2002 |
PERSONAL COLLAPSIBLE SHELTER
Abstract
A portable shelter is provided which is particularly useful for
shielding seated occupants in a boat and the like from the weather
including wind and water spray. The shelter includes a base member
and a generally U-shaped frame member which pivotally mounted on
the base member for movement between an extended position in which
the frame member extends upwardly from the base member and a
collapsed position folded alongside the base member. Sheeted
material is provided for spanning between base member and the frame
member in the extended position. A tensioning mechanism is coupled
between the base member and the frame member for biasing the frame
member into the extended position with the sheeted material under
tension. The tensioning mechanism is collapsible with the frame
member into the collapsed position thus providing an easily
portable shelter which is self supporting in the extended
position.
Inventors: |
Dufort, Claude; (Winnipeg,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADE & COMPANY
1700-360 MAIN STREET
WINNIPEG
MB
R3C3Z3
CA
|
Assignee: |
Dufort Industries Ltd.
6-999 King Edward Street
Winnipeg
MB
R3H OR1
|
Family ID: |
25185041 |
Appl. No.: |
09/802903 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/87 ; 135/115;
135/121; 135/124; 135/139; 135/142; 135/907 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/003 20130101;
E04H 15/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/87 ; 135/907;
135/121; 135/124; 135/139; 135/142; 135/115 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/00; E04H
015/54; E04H 015/34; A45B 025/18 |
Claims
1. A portable shelter comprising: a base member spanning from a
front end to a rear end of the base member; an upper frame member
including; a pair of side portions, each extending from an inner
end to an outer end of the side portion, the inner ends of the
respective side portions being pivotally mounted at respective
laterally spaced apart locations on the base member adjacent the
rear end of the base member; and an end portion coupled between the
respective outer ends of the side portions; the upper frame member
being pivotal between an extended position in which the side
portions extend upwardly from the base member with the end portion
being spaced above the base member and a collapsed position in
which the side portions extend alongside the base member; flexible
sheeted material coupled between the base member and the upper
frame member so as to span between the front end of the base member
and the end portion of the upper frame member in the extended
position of the upper frame member; and a tensioning mechanism
coupled between the base member and the upper frame member, the
tensioning mechanism being collapsible with the upper frame member
from the extended position to the collapsed position and being
arranged to bias the end portion of the upper frame member away
from the front end of the base member in the extended position such
that the flexible sheeted material spanning between the end portion
of the upper frame member and the front end of the base member is
under tension in the extended position.
2. The shelter according to claim 1 wherein the tensioning
mechanism remains coupled to the base member as the upper frame
member is displaced between the extended and collapsed
positions.
3. The shelter according to claim 1 wherein the tensioning
mechanism remains coupled to both the upper frame member and the
base member as the upper frame member is displaced between the
extended and collapsed positions.
4. The shelter according to claim 1 wherein the tensioning
mechanism includes first and second rigid members which are
collapsible in relation to each other as the upper frame member is
displaced from the extended position to the collapsed position, an
overall length of the first and second rigid members being arranged
to be reduced in the collapsed position.
5. The shelter according to claim 4 wherein the first and second
rigid members are supported under compression in the extended
position.
6. The shelter according to claim 4 wherein the first and second
rigid members are slidably mounted one inside the other for
telescoping movement between the collapsed and extended positions
of the upper frame member.
7. The shelter according to claim 4 wherein there is provided a
stop member coupled between the first and second rigid members in
the extended position, the stop member being arranged to restrict
displacement of the first and second rigid members into the
collapsed position.
8. The shelter according to claim 1 wherein the side portions of
the upper frame member are mounted on the base member spaced
forwardly from the rear end of the base member and the tensioning
mechanism is coupled between the upper frame member and the base
member rearward from the respective inner ends of the side
portions.
9. The shelter according to claim 8 wherein the tensioning
mechanism includes a rigid member arranged to extend rearward from
the base member under compression in the extended position of the
upper frame member and a tension member arranged to be mounted
between the rigid member and the upper frame member under tension
in the extended position so as to bias the end portion of the upper
frame member away from the front end of the base member in the
extended position.
10. The shelter according to claim 9 wherein the tension member
comprises flexible sheeted material supported under tension between
the rigid member and the upper frame member in the extended
position.
11. The shelter according to claim 1 wherein there is provided an
intermediate frame member coupled to the base member, the
intermediate frame member including: a pair of side portions, each
extending from an inner end to an outer end of the side portion,
the inner ends of the respective side portions being pivotally
mounted at respective laterally spaced apart locations on the base
member forward of the upper frame member; and an end portion
coupled between the respective outer ends of the side portions; the
intermediate frame member being pivotal between the extended
position in which the side portions extend upwardly from the base
member with the end portion being engaged with the sheeted material
and the collapsed position in which the side portions extend
alongside the base member.
12. The shelter according to claim 11 wherein both the upper frame
member and the intermediate frame member are arranged to lie
generally parallel to the base member in the collapsed
position.
13. The shelter according to claim 12 wherein the side portions of
the upper frame member each include an inner bent portion adjacent
the base member arranged to extend upward at a rearward incline in
the extended position and an outer portion which extends upwardly
from the inner bent portion at a forward incline in relation to the
inner bent portion, the inner bent portions of the side portions of
the upper frame member being arranged to extend over the
intermediate frame member in the collapsed position.
14. The shelter according to claim 1 wherein the base member and
the upper frame member are formed of rigid material.
15. The shelter according to claim 1 wherein the sheeted material
includes a main portion coupled between the front end of the base
member and the end portion of the upper frame member and a pair of
side portions spanning from respective sides of the main portion to
respective sides of the base member substantially the full length
of the base member.
16. The shelter according to claim 1 wherein the upper frame member
is longer between respective ends of the side portions thereof than
the base member from the front end to the rear end thereof.
17. The shelter according to claim 1 wherein at least a portion of
the sheeted material adjacent the end portion of the upper frame
member is formed of transparent material.
18. The shelter according to claim 1 wherein there is provided a
plurality of mounts arranged to secure the base member to a
supporting surface.
19. The shelter according to claim 18 wherein each mount includes a
first portion arranged to be secured to a supporting surface and a
second portion which mounts the base member to the first portion,
the second portion being selectively separable from the first
portion for releasing the base member from the supporting
surface.
20. The shelter according to claim 1 wherein the upper frame member
is suitably sized such that the sheeted material in the extended
position is arranged to shield a person supported in a seated
position rearward of the sheeted material.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to shelters and more particularly to
a personal shelter which is collapsible for portability.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Portable shelters are known for protecting persons from the
elements including sun, wind and rain. These shelters typically
include a sheeted material which is supported on a frame so as to
form a shield from the elements.
[0003] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,739,784 to Fast and 4,440,187 to Fiddler
each provide a portable shelter in which a plurality of arcuate
ribs are pivotal relative to one another between a collapsed
position adjacent one another and an extended position in which the
ribs are spread apart for supporting sheeted material thereacross.
In both of these shelters however the ribs are not sufficiently
durable nor is the sheeted material to be supported thereon
supported under sufficient tension so as to provide adequate
protection against strong winds or rain.
[0004] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,215,109 to Kent and 4,646,770 to Lobato
each provide similar shelters in which a pair of arcuate ribs are
supported in a spaced arrangement with sheeted material spanning
therebetween. In both of these devices a flexible rod is provided
which mounts between the ribs for providing tension to the canvass
spanning between the ribs. In either device however awkward
manipulation of the flexible rod is required to release the devices
into a collapsed position. When used as a portable shelter the
flexible rod may thus easily become separated from the shelter when
collapsed. Furthermore the arrangement of the flexible rod provides
limited tension to the sheeted material as the rod is required to
be readily flexible for disassembly.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to the present invention there is provided a
portable shelter comprising:
[0006] a base member spanning from a front end to a rear end of the
base member;
[0007] an upper frame member including;
[0008] a pair of side portions, each extending from an inner end to
an outer end of the side portion, the inner ends of the respective
side portions being pivotally mounted at respective laterally
spaced apart locations on the base member adjacent the rear end of
the base member; and
[0009] an end portion coupled between the respective outer ends of
the side portions;
[0010] the upper frame member being pivotal between an extended
position in which the side portions extend upwardly from the base
member with the end portion being spaced above the base member and
a collapsed position in which the side portions extend alongside
the base member;
[0011] flexible sheeted material coupled between the base member
and the upper frame member so as to span between the front end of
the base member and the end portion of the upper frame member in
the extended position of the upper frame member; and
[0012] a tensioning mechanism coupled between the base member and
the upper frame member, the tensioning mechanism being collapsible
with the upper frame member from the extended position to the
collapsed position and being arranged to bias the end portion of
the upper frame member away from the front end of the base member
in the extended position such that the flexible sheeted material
spanning between the end portion of the upper frame member and the
front end of the base member is under tension in the extended
position.
[0013] The arrangement of the portable shelter of the present
invention permits the sheeted material to be supported under strong
tension to withstand strong winds and water spray. This is
particularly useful for marine applications for shielding the
occupants of a boat from wind and water spray which are common when
using a boat on open waters. The use of a tensioning mechanism
which is collapsible provides a shelter which occupies minimal
space when collapsed for portability. By collapsing the tension
mechanism the mechanism may remain coupled to the base member in
both extended and collapsed positions, thus removing the
possibility of the parts of the shelter becoming separated when
collapsed. The resulting shelter supports the sheeted material
under high tension due to the collapsible tension mechanism which
secures the sheeted material under maximum tension in the extended
position with no further tension to the sheeted material being
required to release the shelter into the collapsed position as is
required in the known prior art.
[0014] The tensioning mechanism preferably remains coupled to
either the upper frame member, the base member or both as the upper
frame member is displaced between the extended and collapsed
positions.
[0015] In the preferred embodiment, the tensioning mechanism
includes first and second rigid members which are collapsible in
relation to each other as the upper frame member is displaced from
the extended position to the collapsed position. An overall length
of the first and second rigid members is thus reduced in the
collapsed position. It is preferred that the first and second rigid
members be supported under compression in the extended
position.
[0016] In one arrangement, the first and second rigid members may
be slidably mounted one inside the other for telescoping movement
between the collapsed and extended positions of the upper frame
member. In this instance, a stop member is preferably coupled
between the first and second rigid members in the extended position
to restrict displacement of the first and second rigid members into
the collapsed position. In alternative arrangements, the first and
second rigid members may be pivoted in relation to one another so
as to be folded into the collapsed position. In a folding
arrangement, the first and second members may be pivoted over
centre so as to remain in the extended position with the sheeted
material under tension.
[0017] In the embodiment described herein, the side portions of the
upper frame member are mounted on the base member spaced forwardly
from the rear end of the base member and the tensioning mechanism
is coupled between the upper frame member and the base member
rearward from the respective inner ends of the side portions.
[0018] In other embodiments however, the tensioning mechanism may
be coupled to extend between the front end of the base member and
the upper frame member. In such an embodiment, the tensioning
mechanism may also provided telescoping or foldable first and
second rigid members so as to bias the upper frame member away from
the front end of the base member in the extended position for
tensioning the sheeted material.
[0019] The tensioning mechanism in the preferred embodiment
includes a rigid member arranged to extend rearward from the base
member under compression in the extended position of the upper
frame member and a tension member arranged to be mounted between
the rigid member and the upper frame member under tension in the
extended position so as to bias the end portion of the upper frame
member away from the front end of the base member in the extended
position.
[0020] The tension member may comprise flexible sheeted material
supported under tension between the rigid member and the upper
frame member in the extended position. This may be formed
integrally with the sheeted material extending between the end
portion of the upper frame member and the front of the base member
or may be formed as a separate sheet of material.
[0021] There may be provided an intermediate frame member coupled
to the base member for additionally supported the sheeted material
in the extended position. The intermediate frame member would
include a pair of side portions and an end portion similarly to the
upper frame member and would be mounted on the base member forward
of the upper frame member, also for pivotal movement between the
extended and collapsed positions.
[0022] Both the upper frame member and the intermediate frame
member are preferably arranged to lie generally parallel to the
base member in the collapsed position. This may be accomplished by
including an inner bent portion on each side portion of the upper
frame member adjacent the base member which is arranged to extend
upward at a rearward incline in the extended position with an outer
portion extending upwardly from the inner bent portion at a forward
incline in relation to the inner bent portion. The inner bent
portions of the side portions of the upper frame member are thus
arranged to extend over the intermediate frame member in the
collapsed position.
[0023] The base member, the upper frame member and the intermediate
frame member are preferably all formed of rigid material. The
members may each be formed by a continuous arcuate shaped piece of
aluminium tubing which has been pre-formed into the desired shape.
Aluminium tubing is lightweight while providing sufficient
structural rigidity.
[0024] The sheeted material preferably includes a main portion
coupled between the front end of the base member and the end
portion of the upper frame member and a pair of side portions
spanning from respective sides of the main portion to respective
sides of the base member substantially the full length of the base
member.
[0025] The upper frame member may be arranged to be substantially
longer between respective ends of the side portions thereof than
the base member from the front end to the rear end thereof. The
resulting shield may thus be sufficient in height to shield a
seated person while occupying minimal floor space.
[0026] At least a portion of the sheeted material adjacent the end
portion of the upper frame member is preferably formed of
transparent material for visibility.
[0027] A plurality of mounts are preferably arranged to secure the
base member to a supporting surface, for example the floor of a
boat and the like. Each mount preferably includes a first portion
arranged to be secured to a supporting surface and a second portion
which mounts the base member to the first portion. With the second
portion being selectively separable from the first portion the base
member may be selectively released from the supporting surface.
[0028] The upper frame member is preferably suitably sized such
that the sheeted material in the extended position is arranged to
shield a person supported in a seated position rearward of the
sheeted material. The shield is thus particularly useful in
shielding a person seated in a boat from wind and water spray.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention:
[0030] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the portable shelter in the
extended position with a section of sheeted material shown cut
away;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the portable shelter
of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the portable shelter of
FIG. 1 in the collapsed position with the sheeted material shown in
dotted line;
[0033] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the portable shelter shown
mounted on the floor of a boat for shielding a seated passenger of
the boat; and
[0034] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the portable shelter shown
mounted on the floor of a stern drive boat for shielding a seated
driver at the stern of the boat.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Referring to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated
a portable shelter generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The
shelter is intended for shielding a person from the weather and is
particularly suited as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 for shielding a
seated occupant of a boat 12 when the shelter is secured to the
floor 14 of the boat. The seated occupant may either comprise a
passenger as shown in FIG. 4 or a driver seated at the stern of a
boat as shown in FIG. 5.
[0036] The shelter 10 includes a base member 16 which comprises a
generally U-shaped tubular member of rigid material. The base
member includes a curved front end 18 from which a pair of parallel
and spaced apart sides 20 extend rearwardly therefrom to a rear end
of the base member.
[0037] An upper frame member 22 is arranged to be coupled to the
base member for relative pivotal movement therebetween. The upper
frame member is also generally U-shaped including a pair of sides
24 which are pivotally mounted at respective inner ends on the
respective sides 20 of the base member laterally spaced apart
adjacent the rear end of the base member. A curved end 26 extends
between the respective outer ends of the sides 24 of the upper
frame member 22. The upper frame member 22 is thus arranged to be
pivotal between a collapsed position as illustrated in FIG. 3
wherein the sides 24 of the upper frame member lie parallel along
side the sides 20 of the base member and in extended position as
illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein the upper frame member 22 extends
upwardly from the base member 16.
[0038] The upper frame member 22 is arranged to be longer between
the inner and outer ends of the sides thereof than an overall
length of the base member from the front end to the rear end
thereof. In this arrangement the shelter in the extended position
as illustrated in FIG. 1 is sufficient in height to provide a large
shielding surface while occupying minimal floor space.
[0039] An intermediate frame member 28 is also provided which is
similar in configuration to the upper frame member 22. The
intermediate frame member 28 is generally U-shaped having a pair of
sides 30 which are pivotally mounted on respective sides of the
base member at an inner end of the sides 30, spaced part way
between the front and rear ends of the base member. A curved end
portion 32 extends between respective outer ends of the sides 30 of
the intermediate frame member 28.
[0040] The intermediate frame member 28 is approximately half the
size in overall length than the upper fame member 22 and is
similarly pivotal between a collapsed position as illustrated in
FIG. 3 in which the intermediate frame member 28 lies substantially
parallel and flat along side the base member and an extended
position in which the intermediate frame member 28 extends upwardly
at a forward incline with the curved end 32 thereof being spaced
above the curved front end 18 of the base member.
[0041] In order for the upper frame member 22 to lie flat along
side the intermediate frame member 28 in the collapsed position as
illustrated in FIG. 3, an inner bent portion 34 is provided at an
inner end of each side 24 of the upper frame member 22. In the
extended position the inner bent portion 34 of each side 24 of the
upper frame member 22 extends upward at a rearward incline with a
remaining portion of each side 24 extending upward from the inner
bent portion at a forward incline in relation thereto. In the
collapsed position the intermediate frame member 28 thus lies
parallel directly adjacent the base member 16 while the upper frame
member 22 lies parallel and spaced above the base member 16 with
the inner bent portions 34 extending forwardly at an upward incline
a thickness which is approximately equal to the thickness of the
intermediate frame member 28.
[0042] A sheeted canvas material 36 is arranged to be supported on
the frame members for shielding against the weather. The canvas
material 36 is thus arranged to be wind and waterproof. The canvas
material 36 includes a main portion which spans between the front
end 18 of the base member and the curved outer end 26 of the upper
frame member 22. The material 36 also spans across the curved outer
end 32 of the intermediate frame member 28 spaced between base
member and the upper frame member in the extended position.
[0043] The canvas material also includes pair of side portions 40
extend from respective sides of the main portion 38, spanning
between the main portion and a respective side 20 of the base
member 16 substantially the full length of the base member. The
side portions 40 thus also extend across the sides of the upper and
intermediate frame members.
[0044] A set of curved envelopes 42 are formed into the sheeted
canvas material 36 for receiving a respective curved end of the
base member and both frames members therein. The sheeted canvas
material 36 thus remains secured to the frame members and the base
member as the frame members are pivoted into the collapsed position
in which the canvas material 36, being flexible, is folded between
the frame members and the base member.
[0045] A portion of the canvas material 36 between the upper frame
member and the intermediate frame member is arranged to be
transparent so as not to obstruct the visibility of a person being
shielded by the shelter 10. Situating the transparent portion 44
adjacent the outer curved end of the upper frame member 22 provides
suitable visibility when the shelter 10 is suitably sized to shield
a person in a seated position as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0046] A tensioning mechanism generally indicated by reference
numeral 50 is situated on the base member 16 rearward of the upper
frame member 22. The tensioning mechanism 50 is arranged to bias
the outer curved end 26 of the upper frame member 22 away from the
front end 18 of the base member 16 in the extended position for
providing tension to the canvas material extending
therebetween.
[0047] The tensioning mechanism 50 includes a pair of first rigid
members 52 which are slidably received within a respective pair of
second tubular rigid members 54 which are integrally formed at a
rear end on respective sides 20 of the base member 16. The second
rigid members 54 are tubular and arranged to slidably receive the
respective first rigid members 52 therein in a telescopic manner
for reducing the overall length of the base member in the collapsed
position.
[0048] The respective outer ends 56 of the first rigid members 52
are arranged to be received within respective pockets 58 formed in
the canvas material 36 at a rear end thereof. The sides portions 40
of the canvas material 36 which extends from the outer ends 56 of
the first rigid members 52 to the outer curved end 26 of the upper
frame member 22 thus acts as respective tension members for biasing
the upper frame member 22 rearwardly in the extended position.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 3 when the first rigid members 52 are
telescopically received within the second rigid members integrally
formed at the rear end of the base member 16, the frame members are
permitted to be folded into the collapsed position due to the slack
in the canvas sheeted material 36. Extending the first rigid
members 52 rearwardly into the extended position pulls the tension
members defined by the side portions 40 of the canvas material,
which extend rearward from the upper frame member 22, to bias the
upper frame member 22 away from the front end of the base member 16
in the extended position. Maximum tension to the sheeted canvas
material 36 is provided when the telescoping rigid members are
fully extended as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0050] A stop member 60 mounted on each first rigid member 52 is
arranged to co-operate with a respective aperture on the respective
second rigid members 54 for securing the first rigid members in the
extended position. The stop members 60, each comprise a resilient
member which is arranged to be selectively deflected radially
inwardly so as to be released from the respective co-operating
aperture in the second rigid member. When extending the first rigid
members the stop members automatically deflect outwardly into the
co-operating apertures in the second rigid members when the stop
member and the aperture become aligned, thus securing the first
rigid members in the extended position until the stop members are
again released.
[0051] A pair of mounts 62 are spaced apart on each side of the
base member 16 for securing the shelter 10 to a suitable supporting
surface, for example the floor 14 of a boat as illustrated in FIG.
4. Each mount 62 includes a first portion which is arranged to be
secured to the supporting surface by a suitable fastener, for
example screws or rivets and the like. A second portion 66 of each
mount comprises a flap of material, formed on the sheeted canvas
material 36 adjacent the base member 16, which is arranged to be
selectively secured to the respective first portion 64 of the
mount. The first and second portions of the respective mounts may
comprise any form of mating fasteners which permit selective
separation and reattachment thereof such that the shelter 10
remains readily removable from the supporting surface for
portability.
[0052] The shelter 10 is compact in the collapsed position as
illustrated in FIG. 3 so as to be readily portable with the frame
members being folded flat and parallel to one another. The base
member and both frame members are each formed of lightweight
aluminium tubing formed in a single arcuate piece so as to be
lightweight and easily manufactured. The canvas sheeted material 36
is also lightweight and easily folded in the collapsed position as
illustrated in dotted line in FIG. 3.
[0053] For use as a shield, the frame members 22 and 28 are pivoted
upwardly in the direction indicated by the arrows on FIG. 3 until
the frame members are generally upright in the extended position.
Extension of the first rigid members rearwardly from the second
rigid members results in the side portions 40 of the sheeted canvas
material 36 being pulled rearwardly by the pockets 58 which receive
the outer ends of the first rigid members. The frame members are
thus biased rearward by the tension in the side portions 40 of the
canvas material to also provide tension to the main portion 38 of
the sheeted canvas material.
[0054] When the rigid members are extended to a point where the
tension in the sheeted canvas material reaches a maximum, the stop
members 60 become aligned with their respective co-operating
apertures so as to be automatically deflected therethrough for
restricting the rigid members from being collapsed.
[0055] The shelter 10 is thus provided with a self-standing frame
which can be selectively mounted on a supporting surface or used
independently, while providing maximum tension to the sheeted
canvas material 36 thereon in the extended position. The shelter 10
is suitably sized in the extended position to shield a seated
occupant, in a boat for example, due to the arrangement of the
upper frame member 22 which is longer between respective ends
thereof than the height of an average person in a seated
position.
[0056] In further embodiments the tensioning mechanism may include
rigid members which are arranged for relative sliding movement or
folding movement as opposed to the telescoping movement described
herein. Further variations include mounting the collapsible portion
of a tensioning mechanism between a forward end of the base member
and the upper frame member as opposed to being positioned
rearwardly thereof. Any arrangement using a collapsible member
which is rigid in the extended position is suitable for providing
sufficient tension to the sheeted canvass material supported
thereon for withstanding strong winds and pelting water resulting
from rain or water spray when used on a boat. When used for
different applications it may be preferable to provide more or
fewer of the U-shaped frame members to vary the desired shape and
overall dimensions of the shelter.
[0057] While one embodiment of the present invention has been
described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other
embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. The
invention is to be considered limited solely by the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *